Did you know that refrigerators and freezers use about a sixth of all electricity in a typical home – that is more electricity than any other single household appliance. Thankfully, over past years refrigerators have become more energy-efficient. Today’s refrigerators use about 60 percent less electricity on average than pre-1993 models.

Once you opt to buy a new, energy-efficient fridge you have to decide what to do with that old, energy-wasting second refrigerator. National Grid launched a Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program in Upstate New York where they will pay customers $30 plus free pickup of old, energy wasting second refrigerators and freezers. This program is not yet available throughout the country, but many local appliance shops have a recycling program in place-you will need to check in with a shop in your area.

Many of us are choosing to hold onto those old fridges and using them in garages or basements. According to the US Department of Energy, about 26 percent of homes have a second refrigerator-that’s a pretty big number! Seems like an OK thing to do…….it’s nice to have the extra space for drinks and extra food. But there is a big downside to this.

[…] Unplugging an old refrigerator or freezer is a simple way to reduce your impact on the environment it benefits the planet, your wallet and efforts to conserve energy. original article: How Many Refrigerators are too Many?. […]